By Fatma Younis
Ethics experts and watchdog groups have accused at least nine of President Donald Trump’s 15 cabinet secretaries of violating the Hatch Act by joining him on the campaign trail ahead of the midterm elections, according to a report by The New York Times. The 87-year-old law bars federal employees from using their official authority to influence elections, though the president and vice president are exempt.
Nine Cabinet Secretaries Named in Complaints
Nonprofit organizations including Democracy Defenders Fund and Steady State have filed formal complaints with the Office of Special Counsel alleging that cabinet members used their government titles while participating in partisan rallies. If violations are confirmed, penalties can range from formal warnings to termination and a ban on future federal employment.
Alaska Rally Draws Formal Complaint
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr were named in a complaint after appearing with Trump at an October 13 event in Alaska supporting Republican Senate candidate Dan Sullivan. Trump introduced Lutnick and Burgum using their official titles. The nonprofit said their presence raised “serious questions” about whether they broke laws prohibiting the use of official authority to sway an election. Carr stated he spoke in a personal capacity, but the group noted his remarks focused on FCC business in Alaska, including a pledge to work with Senator Sullivan on broadband expansion.
Other Cabinet Officials Face Scrutiny
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy endorsed Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan. Attorney General Todd Blanche drew criticism for attending a New York rally in August that featured Trump and appeared to endorse the GOP gubernatorial candidate, and for speaking at a Republican National Convention event in September. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was accused by Steady State of violating the Hatch Act while campaigning for candidates in Kentucky and Iowa; Hegseth told crowds he was appearing only in a personal capacity on advice of counsel.
White House Defends Officials’ Participation
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said senior administration officials have long been allowed to discuss current events, policies, and candidates involved with those policies to advance the administration’s agenda. The Office of Special Counsel declined to comment on the complaints.
Potential Penalties Outlined
Kedric Payne, ethics director at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center, said officials should not use their titles or taxpayer resources for political campaigns, adding that the Trump administration has increased activity that contradicts both the letter and spirit of the Hatch Act. Steady State has also filed a lawsuit and additional complaints over taxpayer-funded political advertisements.
